(From the Liberator Online Volume 18, No. 15. Subscribe here!)

Here’s a fun, funny and fast way to communicate the essence of how libertarians view government.

It’s been circulating among libertarians and other small-government advocates for many years.

With the right audience, it will draw laughs and knowing nods — and win them to your side.

Here it is:

“Smokey the Bear’s rules for fire safety also apply to government — keep it small, keep it in a confined area, and keep an eye on it.”

It works great as a quick remark in a casual conversation, or as the opening to a more detailed and precise discussion of libertarianism and the nature of government.

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Sharon Harris is president of the Advocates for Self-Government.